Guide to Changing the Default Search Engine Across Different Browsers

Guide to Changing the Default Search Engine Across Different Browsers
Instructions on modifying the default search engine in Google.

Adjusting your default search engine is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few clicks, irrespective of the browser you’re utilizing. If you find you prefer a different search engine later on, you can easily switch to another one or revert to the original default. While Google remains the leading search engine, a variety of alternatives are available. Let’s explore the steps needed to change the default search engine across popular browsers.

Switching the Default Search Engine in Chrome

The widely-used Chrome browser is compatible with all primary platforms. Preloaded on Chromebook and Android devices, it can also be downloaded on other operating systems.

For PC Users

To change your default search engine in Chrome on a PC, adhere to the following instructions:

  • Open the Chrome browser and click on the three dots located at the top right corner, then navigate to “Settings.”
Accessing Google Chrome Settings
  • Select the “Search engine” option on the left-hand side.
  • Click the drop-down menu next to “Search engine used in the address bar” and select your preferred search engine from the list, which by default will likely be Google.
Adjusting Chrome Search Engine
  • No need to restart Chrome to save your changes. You can confirm by opening a new tab to see your selected search engine set as default. If it doesn’t appear, a quick restart of Chrome should remedy this.

For Mobile Users

Android and iPhone, follow these steps:

  • Tap the three-dot icon in the app (located at the top on Android and at the bottom on iPhone) and select “Settings” from the menu.
Changing Chrome Mobile Settings
  • Select “Search Engine” and choose your default search engine from the available options.
Selecting Chrome Mobile Search Engine

Changing the Default Search Engine in Firefox

Firefox, favored by those valuing privacy, operates seamlessly across all platforms. To change your default search engine on Windows, macOS, Linux, or Chromebook, follow these steps:

For PC Users

  • In the Firefox browser, click on the three horizontal lines located at the top right and select “Settings” to adjust your default search engine.
Opening Firefox Settings
  • On the left, choose “Search.”
  • Locate the “Default Search Engine” option, then click the drop-down menu beside it to select your desired search engine.
Firefox Search Engine Modification
  • If the search engine you want is absent from the list, scroll down and select “Find more search engines.”
Finding More Search Engines in Firefox
  • To remove unused search engines, click on the search engine listed under “One-Click Search Engines” and select the “Remove” option at the bottom right.
Removing Search Engine in Firefox

For Mobile Users

Here’s how to modify the default search engine in Firefox on Android and iOS:

  • Tap on the three-dot icon (Android) or the three-bar icon (iPhone), and then choose “Settings” within the app.
Firefox Mobile Settings Access
  • Navigate to “Search” and select the new default search engine, or tap on “Add search engine” to introduce a new option.
Choosing Firefox Mobile Search Engine

Changing the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is pre-installed on Windows PCs and can also be installed on systems running Linux and macOS. Here’s how to modify the default search engine on PC:

For PC Users

  • Open the Edge browser, click on the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner, and then select “Settings.”
Accessing Microsoft Edge Settings
  • Select “Privacy, Search, and services” from the left panel.
Privacy Settings in Microsoft Edge
  • Scroll to the bottom and click on “Address bar and search.”
Address Bar Settings in Microsoft Edge
  • Use the drop-down menu next to “Search engine used in address bar” to choose a new search engine.
Selecting Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge

For Mobile Users

This is how to modify the default search engine on Android and iOS:

  • In the Edge browser, tap the three-dot icon and select “Settings.”
Microsoft Edge Mobile Settings
  • Select “General,” then click on “Select search engine.”
Choosing Search Engine in Microsoft Edge Mobile
  • Pick your preferred search engine from the list provided.
Selecting Search Engine in Microsoft Edge

Alter the Default Search Engine on Opera

Opera users can also easily change the default search engine on any device.

For PC Users

  • Click the three-bar icon in the upper-right corner and choose “Go to full browser settings” located at the bottom. Alternatively, click the red “O” icon in the top left corner and navigate to “Settings.”
Accessing Opera Settings
  • In the left pane, choose “Advanced” and scroll down on the right until you find the Search engine card.
  • Click the drop-down menu beside “Search engine used in address bar” and select your desired search engine. If you wish to add another, click on “Manage search engines” to specify your preferred option.
Adjusting Opera Default Search Engine

For Mobile Users

  • Tap the account icon (on Android) or the three-bar icon (on iPhone) located at the bottom of the Opera browser, then press the “Settings” icon (on Android) or the Settings option (on iPhone).
Opera Mobile Settings Access
  • Scroll down and select “Default search engine” to choose your preferred option from the list.
Selecting Default Search Engine in Opera Mobile

Adjusting the Default Search Engine in Brave

The Brave browser is packed with hidden features while also providing options for search engine selection. To change the default search engine on Brave for Windows and macOS, follow these steps:

For PC Users

  • Click on the three-bar icon at the top and choose “Settings” from the menu.
Accessing Brave Settings
  • Select “Search Engine” from the left sidebar.
  • Click the drop-down menu next to “Search engine used in the address bar” to pick your preferred search engine.
Brave Search Engine Selection
  • Alternatively, you can click on “Manage search engines and site search” to add or delete search engines as needed.

For Mobile Users

  • Open the Brave browser, tap the three-dot icon in the bottom right, and select “Settings.”
Brave Mobile Settings Access
  • Navigate to “Search engines,” and select “Standard Tab.”
Brave Mobile Search Engine Options
  • The default search engine is Brave; you can choose a new one from the provided list.
Changing Brave Mobile Search Engine

Modifying the Default Search Engine in Safari

Safari is available by default on macOS, iPhone, and iPad, and cannot be installed on other devices.

For macOS Users

  • Launch Safari and click on “Safari” in the upper menu, then select “Preferences.”
Safari Mac Settings Access
  • Navigate to the “Search” tab at the top.
  • From the drop-down menu next to “Search engine,” choose your new default search engine.
Safari Mac Search Engine Settings

For Mobile Users

  • Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, then tap on “Safari.”
Safari Settings on Mobile
  • Select the “Search Engine” option and choose from the available list to set your new default search engine.
Changing Default Search Engine in Safari Mobile

Common Questions

Why does my search engine keep reverting?

Your search engine may frequently revert to Bing or Yahoo due to an extension installed in your browser. Discover ways to resolve issues with a persistently changing search engine.

Can I revert to the default search engine after switching?

Once you select a different default search engine, all your search activities will utilize that engine. However, you can still access other search engines directly via their web links such as www.google.com, www.bing.com, etc. Alternatively, you can revert to the previous search engine by selecting it from the list as previously outlined.

Are there superior search engines for privacy?

Indeed, certain search engines prioritize user privacy more effectively than others.

Image credits and all screenshots contributed by Mehvish Mushtaq

Source & Images

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *